Outline of Exam paper format

1. Exam Questions
Literature GCSE
Prose Text Questions

2. What questions?
There are 3 different exam questions to cope
with in Literature exams:
1. Extract Questions (10 marks)
2. Theme/Character Questions (20 marks)
3. Unseen Poetry Question (20 marks)

3. Example Paper
Extract question
Character question Theme question

4. What do I need to do to answer each
question style?
Extract Question (10 Marks)
Question a)
• Extract – close reference to the text is
essential so pick out lots of quotes.
• Work through the extract methodically
highlighting the quotes you will use to
answer the question.
• Plan at least three main points using
your annotations.
• Start your answer with a summary of
where the extract is taken from and
what happens before or after this
extract.
• Write paragraphs about your three
main points working from top to
bottom of the extract – use the extract
to structure your answer.
Theme/Character (20 Marks)
Question choose between b) or c)
• Character/Theme focus on an
overview of the book
• Plan your answer briefly to
include key points. Include
examples from the novel which
will support your key points.
• Write around five PEARL chain
paragraphs discussing your points
in detail.
• Try to focus on specific moments
in the book (can you use any
quotes?).
• Link your ideas together showing
an overview of the novel.

5. What knowledge do I need to pass?
Revise characters and learn quotes about:
• What they say
• What other characters say about them
• Their actions and motives
• How the writer presents the character
Revise themes and learn quotes about:
• Important parts in the novel where the themes are
illustrated
• Characters who comment on the theme
• Why the theme is important to the overall message of the
novel